Efficient generation of single and entangled photons on a silicon photonic integrated chip

摘要

We present a protocol for generating on-demand, indistinguishable single photons on a silicon photonicintegrated chip. The source is a time-multiplexed spontaneous parametric down-conversion element that allowsoptimization of single-photon versus multiphoton emission while realizing high output rate and indistinguisha-bility. We minimize both the scaling of active elements and the scaling of active element loss with multiplexing.We then discuss detection strategies and data processing to further optimize the procedure. We simulate animprovement in single-photon-generation efficiency over previous time-multiplexing protocols, assuming existingfabrication capabilities. We then apply this system to generate heralded Bell states. The generation efficiency ofboth nonclassical states could be increased substantially with improved fabrication procedures.